Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has raised concerns on social media about the increasingly unattainable nature of purchasing a home in Miami amid the severe housing crisis affecting South Florida. In a post on her X account, the Republican lawmaker emphasized the growing distance of homeownership from many families' reach and called for "bold solutions" to tackle the housing emergency.
"Owning a home in Miami is becoming increasingly out of reach, and with the deepening housing crisis, bold solutions are needed now more than ever," Salazar stated, accompanying a video shared by the White House. The video, filmed in the Oval Office, features President Donald Trump expressing that affordable housing is a "fundamental part of the American dream" and advocating for his administration's efforts to reduce regulations and facilitate access to mortgages.
Real estate prices in Miami have soared to record highs in recent years, driven by a surge of investors, limited supply, and high living costs. For numerous working families, including many Cuban immigrants in the area, the prospect of owning a home has become an increasingly distant goal. A viral post from a few months ago highlighted that in the 1950s, a house in North Miami Beach cost just $13,990. Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $180,000 today, yet those same homes can now exceed $550,000. This stark contrast underscores how the American dream of homeownership has gradually faded over generations.
Efforts to Alleviate the Crisis
Salazar's remarks coincide with local attempts to address the issue. In June, Miami-Dade launched the Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Program for low-income families. Over 30 housing developments participated in this initiative, but the high demand and stringent requirements highlight the limited nature of solutions in a city where over 60% of renters spend at least a third of their income on rent, a situation deemed unsustainable.
Although these initiatives aim to reduce pressure, for many residents, the possibility of homeownership remains a challenging pursuit marked by waitlists, lotteries, and inadequate assistance. Salazar's message was linked to the Innovative Housing Showcase 2025 organized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), held from September 6 to 10 at the National Mall in Washington. Under the theme "The American Home is the American Dream," the event features construction technologies, innovative designs, and discussions on the future of housing access in the United States.
Beyond official announcements, Salazar's commentary resonates deeply with a concern that impacts Miami families and, particularly, the Cuban community struggling to achieve homeownership in a city that has become synonymous with the diaspora.
Addressing Miami's Housing Crisis
What factors have contributed to the rising home prices in Miami?
The increase in home prices in Miami is primarily driven by a surge of investors, limited housing supply, and high living costs in the area.
How are local authorities attempting to address Miami's housing crisis?
Local authorities have launched initiatives like the Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) Program for low-income families, although the demand and stringent requirements highlight the limited nature of these solutions.